Lock Picks: Down & Dirty DIY to High End Sets

Posted by Laura N on June 17, 2015

The thing with lock picking is that you don’t need a fancy set to get the job done, but it sure is nice. However, you will probably want to practice with DIY tools so you are prepared to get yourself out of a jam if you don’t have your fancy tools available to you.

So let’s take a look at a few of those down and dirty methods of picking locks.

Down and Dirty

In this video, Tim Ferriss and Kevin Reeve explore making lockpicks out of paper clips and with an electric toothbrush. The full episode covers escaping restraints, “borrowing” a car and more. Well worth checking out.

This video shows you how to pick a lock with hairpins and uses a clear practice locks so you can see what’s happening inside as he’s picking the lock.

Learn how to make a lockpick gun out of a coat hanger

Lock Pick Sets

You’re the kind of person that likes to be prepared. Let’s look at a few sets, from beginner to high end.

For the Beginner

You can’t go wrong with this 8-piece set. It comes with the 5 most popular picks, 2 most popular tension wrenches and most popular broken key extractor. The picks are made from tempered stainless steel.

But, if you’ve got some cash to burn, The Lockpicking Night School set has everything you need to learn how to pick locks in a convenient case! It comes with 4 high-quality lock picks with molded handles, 6 tension wrenches, 3 practice locks and a case.

Mid-range

This professional 19 piece lock pick set contains many of the most popular picks for a variety of common household, commercial and automotive keyways, several tension wrenches and a broken key extractor. The picks are made of stainless steel with reinforced handles and come in a double flapped, velcro secured, vegan-friendly faux leather case.

The Whole Enchilada

This 65 piece professional lock pick set is for the law enforcement professional, first responder, locksmith or security professional who demands the finest tools available for every lock out situation.